Giovanna Donatelli '19 Recruiting Profile

My name is Giovanna Donatelli, and I’m currently playing water polo and attending Temescal Canyon High School in Lake Elsinore, CA.  When I first found water polo it was after trying several sports, I tried Empire Aquatics Water Polo programs over the summer and was immediately drawn to the aggressiveness and excitement of the sport.  After two summer camps and seeing the sport in action I asked my mom to put me on the club team to play more games and go against more opponents. She agreed, and I was put on a co-ed team and have not stopped playing since.  In addition, I realized the intensity of water polo helped me control my emotional needs and become a well-rounded student. Even though I have a very busy water polo schedule, I still challenged myself with AP and Honors classes and maintained a cumulative GPA of a 3.2.

“You can never stop learning.” —Jason Pierre-Paul

This quote is what makes me different from other athletes.  I constantly follow this everyday, because I understand the value of learning in all areas of my life.  I am determined to become the best athlete I can. As I am faced with new and difficult challenges, I always meet them head on and work hard to overcome life’s obstacles.  I strive to show improvement as an athlete and do my best no matter what. My goals have been to become the best player and family member I can be. I hope to play my biggest opponents in the Olympics one day.  Also, after traveling to Europe, I learned new forms of water polo and how to socialize with people even with a language barrier.